Top 10 Best Fishing Kayak Cameras in 2019

Underwater fishing cameras are becoming more popular than ever now that the technology has advanced. Rather than rely on fish finders and radar that can be vague, an underwater fishing camera can give you a clear and accurate view of what is happening in the water. You can see the fish, the landscape of the world under the water and even look for lost equipment that may have gotten stuck in the debris. Depending on the model of underwater fishing camera you choose to go with, you may also be able to take photos, video and panoramic shots of what is happening under the surface.

So whether you want to combine some higher end technology with your fishing to optimize your results, or just want to have a way to look into the water and see what is going on in the world of the water, having an underwater fishing camera with you when you’re on the water is always a good idea. But not all underwater fishing cameras are created equal. So knowing what to look for and what the key features you need are can be the difference between an okay underwater camera, and an underwater camera you never want to leave behind.

What Is An Underwater Fishing Camera?

Unlike a standard point and click camera, an underwater fishing camera goes above and beyond. The underwater fishing camera is a hand held device that allows you to look under the water and capture images of what is happening under the surface. They range in sizes and shapes but all act as your eyes under the water. Some allow you to record and capture the images you see on the screen, while others simply act as a view finder that aids in navigating the water and finding the fish. The more advanced the features, the more you can do with it. This can turn a view finder for under the water’s surface into a way to capture amazing photos and video to share with all your friends and family.

What Are Some Important Features To Consider?

Before you purchase an underwater fishing camera it is important to consider the features you are looking for and what that camera will provide. Not all the underwater fishing cameras on the market have the same features and the quality level of those features and the overall camera can greatly differ among brands and models. So before you commit to the first underwater camera you find here are some of the biggest things to consider in an underwater fishing camera.:

Display

The display screens vary widely on underwater fishing cameras and it can all come down to personal preference. Some people like to use a smaller screen to make the whole thing more compact, while others require a larger screen display to get a good look at what’s going on. So it is really up to what you want more, a better view or a more easily transportable underwater fishing camera. But the rule of thumb is that the bigger the screen the better the view and the more details you can focus on.

Positioning

Would you like to have your underwater fishing camera’s view finder mounted onto your boat or would you prefer a hand held option? Some underwater fishing cameras can even be set up to sit on your fishing pole. It is all up to your personal preference and how you would like to access the view finder.

LED Lights

If you want to fish at night or in less than ideal weather conditions, it can make it difficult, if not impossible for you to see what is going on through your underwater fishing camera. So it is important to make sure you include LED lights in the list of features you need. It will provide enough light for you to distinguish what is going on under the surface without having to strain your eye too hard or have to guess what is going on. Murky water and debris filled water can also benefit from LED lights to get the clearest view possible.

Camera Quality

Your camera needs to not only let you see into the water, but provide you with a clear shot as to what’s going on below. While higher camera quality will cost you more, there is a definite need for at least the normal level of clarity. If you rely on camera quality that is too low it will be a waste of money and won’t serve a purpose. Consider where you will be fishing. If you will be fishing in murky or dark water you will need a higher quality of camera to decipher what is going on below the surface. But if you are fishing in a very clear body of water without a lot of debris in the water then you can get away with average quality cameras.

Waterproof Display

While the view finder itself will not be in the water, that doesn’t mean it can’t get wet. Splashes, drops and even being dropped into the water can all happen. So it is important to be prepared and opt for the waterproof display. While it may cost you more, it is better to be safe than sorry and guarantee you won’t ruin your underwater fishing camera with something as simple as a few drops of water splashing on it.

Ice Fishing

If you are into ice fishing or fishing in colder water temperatures, it is important to consider the possibilities and limitations of your underwater fishing camera. The freezing waters can wreak havoc on cameras that are not designed for it and can end up ruining your system. Cracks in cameras, poor and choppy quality and complete system shut downs can all occur if the underwater fishing camera isn’t designed for that kind of exposure. So look at the restrictions of the product and make sure you have something that can handle the ice fishing experience.

Size

The size of an underwater fishing camera varies depending on the model you choose. A mounted underwater fishing camera system will be larger than a handheld option because the handheld underwater fishing camera needs to be compact enough to fit in your hand without weighing it down or making it difficult to operate. It is important to consider your boat’s size before buying an underwater fishing camera system so you can plan ahead. If the system is too large it can become cumbersome and take up too much space and weigh down your boat. If you prefer kayak fishing you will more than likely need to go with the smaller, handheld version while a larger boat can accommodate any size system.

Shape

Underwater fishing cameras can be set up to fit all in a single box, or may require a different type of storage. If you opt to go with a handheld underwater fishing camera then you will need to look into modes of transporting it like carrying cases or straps. But the shape needs to not only be considered when determining how best to protect it, but also how comfortable it will be to hold. If you have smaller hands you will need to consider how comfortable it would to hold onto for hours at a time. It also needs to be small enough to hold onto without jeopardizing the security of the hold you have on it. So before buying a handheld underwater fishing camera, it is important to test out the grip and see if you will be able to handle it without issue while out on the water.

Battery Life

Battery life is a key feature to consider when deciding which underwater fishing camera you should purchase. If you want to spend a day on the water and want to utilize the underwater fish camera then it is crucial you have a system with a long battery life. It is both impractical and a waste of time to have to go back and forth to shore or even home just to recharge your underwater fishing camera. Without a long enough battery life you will end up having to use the underwater fishing camera sparingly or risk it dying on you partway through the trip. You should also look at reviews to see if certain things drain the battery more quickly than others or if there is anything you can do to better improve the lifespan of the battery in your underwater fishing camera.

Photos

Higher quality underwater fishing cameras can include a photography feature so you can document the images you see under the surface. This can be a simple snap of the word under the water or you can use the feature to get proof of the giant fish that got away. If you want to combine a fishing trip with some amateur photography, upgrading to a higher quality underwater fishing camera can be a great way to do it. You can skip out on needing to pay for an underwater fishing camera and an underwater photography camera and save the money you would have spent on the photography camera to upgrade to a higher quality underwater fishing camera.

Video

Another feature included with higher end underwater fishing camera models include video recording. The underwater fishing camera transmits video of what is happening under the water’s surface on to the display screen to let you see under water. But if you want to not only see what is happening, but save that information for later on you will need to go with a higher end underwater fishing camera. The video recordings can be simply an interesting thing to document and share with friends, or it can be used as a way to analyze the area, document what is in that area and better determine what you will need for your next fishing trip to that spot. Never worry about being caught off guard when returning to a fishing spot again and enjoy knowing you have an extra leg up on the fish you are trying to catch.

Price

Of course the price is an important thing to consider. If you are on a tighter budget you should really weigh the pros and cons of all the different features and how high the quality needs to be to meet your needs. The higher quality options will always cost more and if you are willing to splurge, by all means enjoy the amazing features of the highest quality. But the best way to save money is to prioritize the features you need over the ones you like and then find the underwater fishing camera that fits best into that category.

How Do You Use An Underwater Fishing Camera

There may be slight differences for how to use an underwater fishing camera based on which model you choose, but there are some basic steps that are pretty universal among this type of equipment.

Step One:

Make your way out on your boat to find a spot that looks good to try out. Once you locate the spot you would like to start fishing in, you should open the case and uncoil the lowering cables attached to the camera.

Step Two:

Lower the cables down under the water and stop once you have reached the desired depth for your underwater fishing camera. You typically want this relatively close to the depth you will have your hook so you can see where the fish at that level are and where you should be focusing your time. Make sure you lock the camera’s cable line once you’ve reached the desired depth so it doesn’t move out of place and continues to give you an accurate reading.

Step Three:

Turn the camera on and wait for it to settle. This can take a few seconds or a few minutes depending on the model of underwater camera you go with, but it is important to allow the camera that time to adjust to get the most accurate reading and clear picture.

Step Four:

Look for debris and other things that your line could potentially get stuck in. If you see rocks, brush and other things that can help the fish hide it is worth taking a closer look to see if they are in the area before heading to the next spot. The location is key to finding the fish and being thorough is better than skipping over a potential hot spot.

Step Five:

Lower your camera down to the bottom to get another view of the area. You should stop two to three inches before reaching the bottom in order to prevent cracking or damaging the camera. Once you have had a good look around you should set the camera back up to where you intend to have your bait.

Step Six:

Check out the fish’s size and shape to determine what type of fish is most prevalent in the area. This will help you decide the best type of hook and bait to use during your time on the water. Use your underwater fishing camera as a way to determine how interested in your bait the fish are and if you aren’t getting any bites you will need to consider switching your type of bait.

Ten Best Underwater Fishing Cameras

Hands down, the Enyoyo Portable 1000 TVL is one of the best underwater fishing cameras on the market. With a large 9 inch display screen and infrared LED lighting, the Enyoyo Portable 1000 TVL combines all the higher end features with an affordable price. You don’t need to break the bank on this purchase and you will get a high quality piece of equipment that will serve all your needs. The system is designed to work in all situation regardless of how light or dark it is outside.

The Enyoyo Portable 1000 TVL’s monitor is in full color, the design includes a sun visor to guarantee you never suffer from glare ruining your ability to see the screen and is ideal for night fishing or fishing in darker, murky water to get the clearest view of the fish with the 12 piece LED lighting system. You can also record up to 8 Gigabytes of video and save it directly on the fishing camera. The Enyoyo Portable 1000 TVL underwater camera also features a fantastic camera shape that is unique to Enyoyo products. The camera’s shape is small and a silver color that not only blends in to the environment better than the standard camera design, but also looks similar to a small fish to bring in other fish like a lure.

Pros:

Ideal for all lighting scenarios

12 piece Infrared LED lighting system

Sun visor to protect your screen from glare

Large 9 inch screen

Full color monitor

Waterproof

Video recording capabilities

8 GB of space available to store video recordings

High capacity rechargeable battery cell included

5 to 6 hours of battery life

High quality but still affordable

Camera shaped to blend in and lure fish into the area.

Cons:

MarCum’s VS485C LCD underwater fishing camera is a great option if you are interested in a great system and a company that prides themselves on providing solid pieces of equipment. MarCum teams with Sony to provide every system with a Super HAD II CCD sensor and Lux camera. This means you get a top of the line camera and display while still staying affordable and easy to use. You can easily switch from black and white to a color digital display to provide you with the best clarity for any situation.

Pros:

7 inch screen display

High resolution monitor

Color and black and white screen display option

LCD video layout

LED lighting

50 ft camera cable

Sun shield

12 volt rechargeable battery

Three stage battery charger

One year warranty

Cons:

With a large enough battery life to let you use it all day long without issue, the Anysun Professional Fishing video camera is not only an affordable underwater fishing camera, but a versatile one as well. You can easily use it in a large variety of places including warm or cold water temperatures, clear or dark waters and shallow or deep bodies of water.

Pros:

7 inch display screen

Color monitor

15 meter cable

Fully waterproof

Infrared LED night vision

Sun visor

Cold resistant

Pull resistant cables

HD 700 quality

9 to 12 hour battery life

High capacity rechargeable battery

One year warranty

24/7 customer service

Affordable

Cons:

With the Sony camera MarCum products are known for, the VS825SD underwater fishing camera is equipped with a 75 foot cable and a clear display to show you exactly what you need. This not only includes showing you what is in the water, but also the temperature of the water, the amount of battery life that is left, the depth you have the camera at, and the direction you are looking at.

Pros:

8 inch screen display

Dark water LED lights

Switch between color and black and white video

Waterproof display

75 ft cable

Three stage auto battery charger

Digital display shows depth

direction

temperature and the amount of battery left

Cons:

MarCum is on this list so often for a good reason. The company puts the function first and creates underwater fishing cameras that work in a wide variety of situations. The MarCum Recon 5 allows you to see a width of 90 degrees and you can alter the display, brightness and sharpness of the images all without having to strain your eyes to see what is in the water. While the battery life could be better and the display screen is smaller than other MarCum products, the Recon 5 can be a great option for anyone looking for smaller, more compact underwater fishing cameras.

Pros:

High resolution screen

CMOS sensor

90 degree field of view

50 foot camera cable

Battery status display

Dark water LED lights

Display

sharpness and brightness adjustment

Cons:

Moocor’s take on the underwater fishing camera is unique because it is also a fish finder. If you choose this option you are pretty much buying a universal underwater fishing camera because it is so applicable in such a wide variety of situations and environments. With infrared LED lights, cold resistant design and 30 kg of pull on the camera, you can use this underwater fishing camera for ice fishing, deep sea fishing and the darkest and murkiest of waters.

Pros:

Cold resistant

15 meter cord

Anti-pressing cable

700 HD display quality

Withstands up to 30 kg of pull

Infrared LED lights

CMOS Image sensor

Color display

Digital zoom

Low battery power notifications

Durable depth finder

8 hours of battery life

Works in any fishing situation

Handheld or mounted

Available in two colors

Cons:

The Vexilar FS800 Fish Scout is perfect for any temperature of water you may find yourself in. From -22 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, this underwater fishing camera is designed to be durable enough to function anywhere without freezing up or malfunctioning. You can easily switch from a colored display to black and white and with a 9 hour battery life you can spend the day out on the water without any issue.

Cons:

Aqua-Vu’s AV715c underwater fishing camera works to give you the best range of motion and a rugged design that makes it perfect for ice fishing. You can tilt the camera via a fin to adjust the view up and down and side to side. The 50 foot cable and infrared LED lighting means you can reach greater depths and still see clearly what is going on.

Pros:

7 inch display screen

Waterproof display

Full color

High definition

Sun shield

Low light mode

RCA video out

50 ft cable

Adjustable IR lighting

Adjustable view for down and side viewing

Rechargeable battery

Durable

Cons:

While it is small in size, the Magicfly Professional underwater fishing camera’s display capabilities are on par with the larger competitors. It is an affordable and lightweight option that can not only function as a mounted or handheld underwater fishing camera, but also a fishing pole attachment to make it simple and easy to keep an eye on what’s going on. The waterproof display and cold water resistance means you can use it in a large variety of places and there is no need to stress about whether or not it is up to the task.

Pros:

Sun visor

Hand held option

1000 HD

Cold resistant

8 high power white lights

Waterproof

Can be installed on a fishing pole

LED lighting

Light weight

Cons:

The same size as a smartphone, the Outdoor Insight AVMicro II underwater camera system is a powerful machine in a tiny package. You can easily transport it anywhere simply by putting it in your pocket and the 50 feet of cable means you can enjoy deep water fishing without taking up a lot of space on your boat. This makes this particular model of underwater fishing camera ideal for those who use smaller boats like kayaks but still want to fish in a large variety of places.

Pros:

50 ft of cable

Full color screen display

Easy cable management

Cold resistant

Auto infrared lighting

USB/ wall charger

Wide field of view

Lightweight

Compact

Stealthy design

Cons:

From the time I was little I have enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. When I got my first kayak I immediately knew I'd be spending a lot of time on the water. I try to share my knowledge on this blog and what I've found that works! Happy Kayaking!

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